Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Letter from the Department Head

Thank you for your interest in Northern Michigan University and the Political Science Department. We have such an excellent faculty and so many exciting academic programs and opportunities for students. Before I tell you about just a few of the wonderful experiences you could have at Northern, I would like to invite you to please call or write to me – or come to campus for a visit. I would be delighted to learn more about your interests, give you a tour of our facilities and answer any questions you might have.

Northern has a lot to offer you…

Programs to match your passion for politics and public service

In addition to core courses in your major, you’ll be able to select electives and liberal arts courses that spark your interests. We offer bachelor degree programs in political science, political science/pre-law, public administration, paralegal studies and a secondary education. We also have minors in these programs, with the exception of pre-law and paralegal studies. The quality of education at Northern is demonstrated by the ability of our graduates to gain acceptance into the nation’s top graduate schools and law schools. For example, recent graduates of our programs have been accepted at Syracuse University, University of Wisconsin, the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern University and Georgetown University.

Great teachers

Our department’s faculty not only hold Ph.D.s and J.D.s in their fields, they bring lessons learned from real-world experience into the classroom as well. They are active authors, researchers and activists, with special interests in such topics as American government, politics of education, international politics, public law, judicial processes and environmental policy. Students enjoy small class sizes and really get to know their professors, who are very accessible and happy to chat outside of the classroom. You’ll also have the chance to work side-by-side with your instructors and classmates on community projects and events – locally and internationally.

Top-notch learning environments

NMU is small enough to give our students a feeling of individuality and easy access to our highly-qualified faculty and facilities. At the same time, we’re large enough to offer a vast array of courses and excellent learning opportunities. Students are also provided with a Thinkpad® computer. Your on-campus learning will be greatly enhanced by an internship. Our students have interned in state and national legislatures and various county and local units of government.

Incredible experiences

Your learning will go way beyond the classroom at Northern. For instance, if you are interested in doing an internship in our nation’s capital, there are a number of $4,500 Washington, D.C., internship scholarships available each year for this remarkable experience. During the 2008 presidential campaign, our students participated in the national conventions, reporting live to their classmates, and some worked with NBC News, Bloomberg News and Time Magazine.

As you can see, students are very involved at Northern! Please visit our department Web site to learn more about our programs, study abroad opportunities and student groups, awards and scholarships.

Again, I would be happy to tell you more, to show you around our department or to arrange a visit with a professor in your field of interest. Please feel free to call our Admissions Office to schedule a campus visit at 800-682-9797, or call me directly at 906-227-2019 or send me an e-mail at polisci@nmu.edu. I look forward to meeting you and really appreciate your interest.